How to travel from Kumamoto to Yamagata, Japan

The distance between Kumamoto and Yamagata is around 1,254km (779 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the train which takes around 5h 40m.

6 routes found

We've found 6 different ways to get from Kumamoto to Yamagata by plane, train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out YamagataKumamoto if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+
train
+

Plane and Train

Fly from Kumamoto (KMJ) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) then take the train to Yamagata.

  • Duration5h 40m
  • Flight time1h 40m
  • Typical cost
    ¥34,090($250)
Operated by

Multiple operators

2
3 x train
+

Train

Take the train to Shin-Osaka then Tokyo and then to Yamagata.

  • Duration8h 30m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    ¥39,700($290)

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

3
4 x bus
+

Bus via Hakata Bus Terminal

Take the bus to Hakata Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal then Sendai Station and then to Yamagata Kencho-mae.

  • Duration23h 15m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    ¥26,560($195)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Yamagata.

  • Duration15h 55m
  • Distance1,405km (873 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Kumamoto and Yamagata

There are several options for getting from Kumamoto to Yamagata by plane, train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around ¥23,955 ($175) and will take around 23h 20m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take the train and arrive in approximately 5h 40m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ¥34,090 ($250).

The distance between Kumamoto and Yamagata is around 1,254km (779 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,077km (669 miles)

It takes around 5h 40m to get from Kumamoto and Yamagata by plane and train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 15h 55m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Kumamoto to Yamagata is to fly and then take the train which takes around 5h 40m and will set you back approx ¥34,090 ($250).

The cheapest way to travel between Kumamoto and Yamagata, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around ¥23,955 ($175) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Kumamoto and Yamagata. It typically takes around 8h 30m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Kumamoto to Yamagata. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Shin-Osaka and Tokyo. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 8h 30m.

Japan Railways Shinkansen run train services between Kumamoto and Yamagata. Trains depart hourly and will take around 8h 30m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Kumamoto and Yamagata. It typically takes around 23h 20m and departs once daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Kumamoto to Yamagata. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Ōsaka Namba Station and Osaka City Air Terminal. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 23h 20m.

Kintetsu Bus, Yamako Bus, Nishitetsu, JR Bus Tōhoku and Willer Express run regular bus services between Kumamoto and Yamagata. Buses run once daily and take around 23h 20m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Kumamoto to Yamagata. We recommend that you fly from Kumamoto (KMJ) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) then take the train to Yamagata. instead which will take 5h 40m.

The closest major airport to Yamagata is Yamagata Airport (GAJ) (GAJ) which is approximately 18km (11 miles) from Yamagata. Sendai Airport (SDJ) (SDJ) and Narita International Airport (NRT) (NRT) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Kumamoto and Yamagata. The distance is around 1,405km (873 miles) by road and it will take around 15h 55m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Kumamoto to Yamagata is to fly and then take the train which takes, on average, 5h 40m and will usually cost around ¥34,090 ($250).

How do I get from Kumamoto to Yamagata

Compare travel optionsbetween Kumamoto and Yamagata

Transport options from Kumamoto to Yamagata
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Plane and Train
5h 40m
¥34,090($250)
hourly1,254km (779 miles)
Train + 1 similar
8h 30m
¥39,700($290)
hourly1,502km (934 miles)
Train via Hakata8h 30m
¥39,700($290)
hourly1,502km (934 miles)
Bus via Hakata Bus Terminal + 1 similar
23h 15m
¥26,560($195)
once daily1,678km (1,043 miles)
Bus23h 20m
¥23,955($175)
once daily1,475km (916 miles)
Drive
15h 55m
¥20,945($155)
on demand1,405km (873 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Kumamoto and Yamagata

Bus companies

Airlines

Train operators

Airports near Yamagata

The following major airports near Yamagata offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Japan and internationally.

GAJ
Yamagata Airport (GAJ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
18km (11 miles) from Yamagata
SDJ
Sendai Airport (SDJ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
53km (33 miles) from Yamagata
NRT
Narita International Airport (NRT)
International Airport
Distance
276km (172 miles) from Yamagata